KaKa

Since when was Keegan infallible btw? I didn't claim he was, my point is that in his last 6 or so competitive games he didn't use the formation, he didn't even use it in pre season when it would have been the perfect opportunity to get other players used to playing in it and finding out who is capable of filling in certain positions when the usual suspects are out injured. That tells me that he didn't have any intention of going with it long term, but I'm happy to discuss it if anyone thinks I'm wrong on the subject. Nobody asked what Keegan's preferred side was, the question was asked of us lot. Anything to get in a dig about Keegan f***ing off like. FWIW in pre-season you agreed with me: http://www.newcastle-online.org/nufcforum/index.php/topic,54679.msg1419094.html#msg1419094 It's not a dig at Keegan f***ing off at all, I've simply pointed out that it was a system that he didn't show any signs of sticking with over the long term. I didn't say I didn't like the formation either so I'm not sure what you hoped to achieve from posting that link, perhaps you didn't think that bit through properly, if you can be bothered to look I'm sure there's more posts from me saying that I'd like to see the formation used with Barton and Jonas in midfield rather than Geremi as I think both have a great workrate needed for that position although I think Viduka is finished as a top level striker so he wouldn't be much use to us now. Owen had the mumps amongst other ailments and secret operations he was hiding from us all and Viduka was the size of a whale, and so I think Keegan didn't feel there was any point playing that formation with the likes of Shola and Smith who are too slow brained to comprehend it.

A new low for you? What I'm saying is that in the meantime it does no harm saying he's here for the long haul, an example being that it keeps the players on their toes. I think he'll be gone in the summer personally. There isn't really a major positive for them stating this now though is there? Well ... other than to keep from bothering Parky's poor head.

Imagine how some of our players would perform if they knew for sure that Kinnear was out in the summer. We can't allow for even a hint of complacency considering the club's current position. It makes a lot of sense to go with the Joe for the long haul angle tbh.

Why, because he's said so? One of the worst tackles I've ever seen to be quite honest, Anichebe could easily have gotten an Eduardo-esque injury from it and considering he got him with both feet I'm surprised he didn't. Rotten, cowardly challenge. He's left the ground with both feet and drove them together in a stomping motion, it just doesn't get more dangerous than that. I'm sure he was trying to get the ball and all that but that doesn't excuse it, it was a horrific lunge and he should really get a lot more than the 3 game ban for it. Obviously it benefits us if he doesn't get a longer ban, he's a decent player who gives us a goal threat from midfield afterall. But if he does I'll have no complaints, because he'll deserve it and more tbh. Just out of interest, what makes it a cowardly challenge? FWIW I don't think it was cowardly, just slow and clumsy, the sort of tackle players like Nolan are likely to make once in a while. Definitel a cowardly challenge. It's always the person who doesn't have the balls to go into a 50-50 tackle legitimately that goes in like that. Basically Nolan bottled it. Thinking more about the collision than just going in for the ball and therefore goes in not to get hurt and therefore hurting the other person.

He`s closing in on player of the year imo. Has already wrapped it up tbh.

Man of the match Steven Taylor. Outstanding game. We should seriously consider developing him at right back long term. Much better there. Seems to relish the opportunity to get forward and express himself a bit more and it affects all areas of his game positively.

Smith heads it away from Butt.

Nicky Butt is in hoof heaven.

Excellent tackle tbf. I know Just kidding.

Butt trying his best to give away a penalty.

Smith bottled that.

Great play Martins. Unlucky Jonas. Martins giving defenders the runs which is invaluable.

Great play Martins. Unlucky Jonas. Martins giving defenders the runs which is invaluable.

Smith for Loven next I reckon. Raylor out right.

Steven Taylor has been great at right back today. Not his biggest fan but well done son. Been super impressed with him today.

Bassong is 100% male beef cake.

Beardsley swallowing flies just then.

Martins on early!!!!!! Someone give that man a knighthood.

We might be alright here. We might as well switch Shola for WMD though because Shola is doing nothing helpful or sensible.

Shoot Jonas shoot!

We've setup really well since the sending off. Come on Raylor.

Loven shoul at least get on the ball more out wide.

Taylor so impressive at right back right?! Very promising. Edit - Butt's brain just totally went kaput that far up the pitch.